Among the many volunteer organizations at work in the town of Cochrane, there are some that few people know about.
One in particular is the “Seniors for Kids Society”, which was first called “Cochrane Grandparents Association”. These are grandparents helping young people in Cochrane schools; the program has also expanded into Seniors on the Bow and the Cochrane Bethany Care Centre. Rocky View County has requested that this program be expanded even further; which is not feasible at present because there are not enough volunteers to service such a large area.
Charles B. Pamenter (affectionately called ‘Bev’ by family and friends) was one of the founders of the organization. Celina Hlidek, who saw it successfully used in the U.S., introduced the concept in Cochrane in 1997. When she asked if anyone was interested in volunteering to spend time with Grade 5 and 6 students, Bev and many others raised their hands. He has since met with several students over nearly 17 years, currently meets three older students whom he mentors at St. Timothy High School, served as president of the organization almost every year and remains on the board. Lynn Noble has since taken over Celina’s position as coordinator of the organization.
The program is active in eight schools (including Bearspaw and Westbrook), with over 40 volunteers who meet with selected students once a week for 45 minutes. Students are allowed to leave the classroom to go to a quiet place, such as the library. The purpose of this meeting with the grandparents is to be able to talk on a confidential level, at the same time playing some games and enjoying each other’s company, thereby building trust, self-esteem and confidence in our young people. Permission is obtained from the parents, and each volunteer must go through a police check and be approved by the school every year.
Bev stressed, “I don’t do it for my own recognition. I just love working with kids and enjoy seeing them find themselves. Our seniors love kids, that’s why we do it.”
Volunteering has been Bev’s life, besides having a very impressive career. Bev and wife Diane met at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont., were married in 1958, came to work in Calgary and moved to the Cochrane area in 1973. They have two daughters, one son and five grandchildren.
Bev’s heartfelt comment was deeply understood when he said, “I couldn’t have committed to all this volunteering without the support of my wife, Diane.”
He was also a scout leader for 15 years; assisted with mentoring programs at the Calgary Young Offender Centre; started the Cochrane Figure Skating Club in 1974; was program director for a substance abuse program for prison inmates at the Calgary Correctional Centre; night supervisor for the Teen Challenge Program dormitory near Priddis; and by using his diplomatic experience gained in his career, he coordinated efforts through St. Mary’s Church in Cochrane and others in Calgary to bring 26 political refugees from Guatemala and others from Tanzania and helped them settle in.
Bev and his wife Diane have always been involved as parishioners of St. Mary’s Church in Cochrane.
It is people such as Bev and Diane, giving their energy, time and experience that make Cochrane the great town it is today. After living in our community for 41 years, we still want to say, “thank you.”
